Recommendations for FrameMaker typesetting services (low level)?

[Harding, Dan]

My apologies if this isn't appropriate for the list, but I figure it is a better resource than anywhere else. Any pointers to either freelancers or services appreciated.

Warning: this will most likely be considered drudgework. Nothing creative about it.

Due to additional projects and shifting duties, I am looking at possibly outsourcing some of the FrameMaker work that I currently perform. Currently everything is done inhouse.

This will not be high-level design or creative work. The Frame formats are already created (Unstructured FM9/Win), and whomever does the work may not deviate from the existing formats due to the possibility of files being used in multiple projects in the future.

Work would be on an as-needed basis, with fairly tight turnaround, but no guarantee of a minimum number of hours. For each project we'd set up a "window" of time as to services might be needed. Chapters are usually 30-50 pages in length, so that's the amount of material you'd receive at a time, although it's possible, although unlikely, that you might receive more than one chapter at the same time. Total volume per annum not expected to exceed 800 pages.

Two possible types of work, depending on the stage of production we're in:

1. We supply FM file to use as template, along with source document in Word (which is semi-formatted already), and any graphics to be placed. All tables would be provided as placed graphics (i.e., tables are not done within Frame). Existing print materials would be provided as formatting guides, along with a style guide we give to our authors. No hard pagination at this stage, just formatting of text elements. Expected turnaround time would be 3-5 days per chapter.

2. We would supply previously-formatted FM file, along with hard copy from our proofreading service indicating changes to be made in the FM file. Tedious, but necessary work. Expected turnaround time would be 2-4 days per chapter.

Like I said, drudgework.

The most cost-effective services I've been recommended thus far have been outside the U.S., but we are reluctant to engage such services for a variety of reasons (communication barriers, difficulty of paying international vendors, recourse, etc.)

Any suggestions are appreciated on or off list.

Thank you,

Dan Harding
Technical Specialist & Web Developer
University of Illinois Tax School
339 Mumford Hall
1301 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
217-333-0935